6
Everything went smoothly. The custody issue
was resolved, and I found a nice apartment.
My house sold quickly.
It was all so easy; maybe fate wanted me to
start over.
For over a decade, Chloe had been my whole
world. I spent every waking moment either
caring for her or working to provide for her.
I’d completely lost myself.
Now, it was time to take care of me.
Г
I slowed down and started enjoying life.
I got a membership at a spa and joined a
watercolor painting class I’d always wanted to
take.
My whole outlook changed. My new neighbors
told me I looked like a different person.
One day, leaving the spa, I saw a young girl
practicing ballet positions in a corner.
She was dressed in what looked like a spa
uniform.
She must have heard me because she turned,
her face lighting up when she saw me.
“Mrs. Miller!”
く
A flicker of recognition went through me. “Do
I know you?” I asked tentatively.
She blushed. “I used to be in Chloe’s dance
class. I always saw you picking her up.”
“And…you helped me once.‘
دو
Her words sparked a memory. This was
Ashley, Chloe’s classmate.
I remembered how, no matter how early I
arrived for Chloe’s practice, Ashley was
always there, already working hard.
Everyone said she wasn’t the most talented,
but she was definitely the most dedicated.
Given time, she would achieve great things.
Tragically bar parents had died in a cor
L
Tragically, her parents had died in a car
accident, and she’d had to stop dancing.
I’d been so sad when I heard. I’d discreetly
given her teacher some money and a letter of
encouragement, hoping to help.
I never thought I’d see her again.
Ashley looked at me earnestly. “Mrs. Miller, I
never got to thank you. If it wasn’t for your
encouragement, I don’t think I would have
kept going.”
“I haven’t given up on my dream. I’m going to
be the best I can be, just like you said in your
letter.”
Looking at her sweaty face, I was filled with a
mix of emotions
く
mix of emotions.
What one person discards, another cherishes.
Despite being knocked down by life, Ashley
still clung to her dream.
I was deeply moved. Maybe I could help her.
We talked about her current situation, and my
desire to help her grew stronger.
“Do you want to go to dance camp?” I asked.
Her eyes lit up, then dimmed. “It’s too expensive, Mrs. Miller,” she said quickly. “My
salary… I can’t afford it.”
My heart ached. I reached out and stroked
her hair. “Tell me honestly, do you want to
<
go?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “But…..”
“Don’t worry about the money. I’ll take care
of it.”
“Do you really want to go?”
Ashley looked at me, her eyes searching
mine. “Why?”
I smiled at her, at the beads of sweat on her
nose. “I just… I don’t want someone who
truly loves dance to lose their passion.‘
دو
“You deserve to be on stage.”
دو
Tears welled up in her eyes. After a long
pause, she said. “Thank you. Mrs. Miller I
く
appreciate the offer.”
“But you have Chloe to take care of. I can’t
burden you.”
I sighed. The difference between her and
Chloe was staggering.
I explained my situation and reassured her.
Finally, Ashley agreed to accept my help.
She insisted on writing me an IOU, pressing
her thumbprint onto the paper.
That small piece of paper felt heavier than
gold.
I wasn’t helping her entirely selflessly. I had
an ulterior motive.
I wanted to show everyone that talent isn’t
everything.
Hard work matters too.
I believed Ashley could achieve her dreams
through effort.
Chloe would never understand that.
